In 1917 Russia was suffering
from the effects of the First World War. Its ruler, Tsar Nicholas II,
was overthrown in a revolution in March 1917.

This did not really solve Russia's problems. A Provisional
Government ran the country until a new government could be set up. Not
all Russians supported the Provisional Government. Throughout 1917 it
steadily lost support.

In November 1917 supporters of the Bolshevik Party
overthrew the Provisional Government in a second revolution. The new Bolshevik
government under Lenin also faced many opponents. Some wanted the Provisional
Government restored. Others wanted the Tsar restored as Russia's ruler.
Others were furious that Lenin pulled Russia out of the war. He gave the
Germans huge amounts of land and money in return for peace.

These opponents became known as Whites (the Bolsheviks
were Reds, and also called themselves Communists). From 1918-21 there
was a bitter Civil War in Russia. Millions died from war, disease and
famine. This is not unusual in civil wars.

What was unusual in this Civil War was that several
foreign states also got involved. Britain, America, France and Japan all
tried to help the Whites to defeat the Bolsheviks.

In this case study you are going to study a number
of sources from the time. There are a number of questions with each source
which will help you understand the source. All your answers will help
you to develop your own answer to the Case Study Question.